What will happen
A welcome pack introduces new residents to local services, groups, activities and ways to get involved. Rather than packing in details that quickly go out of date, it points people to trusted local directories, websites and contacts that are kept up to date. It might include:
A map of the town and surrounding area
Key services: health, education, transport
Clubs and community groups
Annual events and festivals
Ways to volunteer and get involved
A bit of local history and culture
Who is involved
Newcomer and migrant communities – from the start
Local volunteers
Community organisations, businesses and the local authority
Designers and translators
Distribution partners: libraries, Family Resource Centres, GP practices
What are the steps in making it happen
Form a small working group.
Decide what to include.
Gather up-to-date information from local services and groups.
Find out which languages are most spoken locally.
Ask newcomers what they'd have wanted to know.
Write, translate and design it.
Test drafts with newcomers and check translations.
Produce printed and digital versions.
Share it through services, employers, schools and online.
Inclusion Tip
Nothing about us without us. Newcomers know best what's useful when you arrive somewhere new. Involve them from the start in the content, language and design.
What resources are needed
Volunteer time
Design and translation support
Input from newcomers and local services
A printing budget (if printing)
Distribution partners
What are the logistics in getting it off the ground
Agree who coordinates, what's in scope, and how the information will be kept up to date. Keep it visual and easy to navigate. A digital version is easier to update than print.
How you'll know it's working
Packs handed out and downloaded
Languages available
Newcomers say it was useful
Local organisations get involved
People use it to find services and get involved
Links to examples
Southside Partnership New Arrivals Welcome Pack – a practical guide to services and community life
Mayo Welcome Pack – from the Local Authority Integration Team
What's in your welcome kit? (USA) – ideas for what makes a good first impression
